Through the Frashër National Park

The national park located northeast of Përmet is officially called Hotova-Dangell National Park, but it is more commonly referred to as the Frashër National Park. Why? Because the village of the same name was the birthplace of a kind of Albanian national heroes – the three Frashëri brothers: Abdyl, Naim, and Sami. These brothers played a pivotal role in the Albanian national movement starting around 1850, and they deliberately chose their surname to honor their birthplace.
However, a trip through Frashër National Park isn’t just of cultural interest – it’s also an exciting off-road adventure. This tour requires experience, a steady hand on the wheel or handlebars, and ideally, a good head for heights.
Starting point: Piskovë. The first section overlaps with the final leg of the route from the Osum Canyon to the Vjosa Valley – a well-maintained gravel track that climbs gently along the banks of the Lomnicës River. At a fork, this tour branches off and begins a slow but steady ascent. At about 1,000 meters, it reaches the village of Frashër, where a monument to the three brothers stands in the center of the village.
Here, it’s worth taking a break and a deep breath because the challenging part of the route begins. A narrow dirt track, often slanting slightly, follows the mountain contours. On one side, a steep slope; on the other, a sheer drop. Not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, after a few kilometers, the path becomes easier, and the route gradually descends into the Lengarica River Valley. Stunning views of light gray rock formations and lush green vegetation unfold. The trail passes by sulfur springs and continues downhill until it meets the paved SH 75 between Petran and Gjinakar.